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More Than Backpacks: How Our 4th Annual Back-to-School Bash Became a Youth-Led Movement for Chicago Families
What began as a small backpack giveaway started by our founder Jaqueza Thomas, at 18 years old has grown into one of Chicago’s largest youth-led back-to-school community events. This year, 4,428 attendees joined us at Cole Park for a day rooted in school readiness, wellness, workforce opportunity, family support, joy, and youth leadership.
9 min read
Celebrate the Journey: How Community STARS Closed the Summer Strong
Grounded in Week 7 “Celebrate the Journey,” which focused on fun, memories, reflection, recognition, celebration, and ending the program with youth feeling connected, proud, remembered, and full of positive memories.
2 min read
Leadership in Action: Asking, Listening, Connecting, and Serving
Grounded in Week 6 “Leadership in Action,” which focused on youth preparing for a Big Brother/Big Sister-style conversation with older youth, asking meaningful questions, learning from older youth, and connecting conversation to service through a community cleanup.
2 min read
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